The Crew's positioning for mr. & mrs. smith was, naturally, a PG-13 rating. However, the scale of many scenes during filming was much larger than the version released in theaters. For film companies, income is not just from theatrical box office; although theatrical box office is the benchmark by which Hollywood production studios measure stars, their income outside of theaters—especially from DVD sales and rentals—was absolutely insane in this era.
As far as Matthew knew, Finding Nemo, produced by Pixar Studios last year—the film once translated as Finding Nemo—has sold 18.5 million DVD copies to date, with sales approaching $300 million.
The DVD sales for pirates of the caribbean, in which he starred, have also reached 13.3 million copies to date, with sales exceeding $200 million.
Compared to high-budget theatrical releases with massive promotions, the costs for DVDs—whether for pressing or distribution channels—are much lower. Helen Herman even told him that for a group company with a mature industrial chain like The Big Six in Hollywood, the cost of a DVD is only a bit more than five percent of the retail price.
In this era of staggering DVD sales and rental data, almost all producers and distribution labels are fighting for DVD sales.
However, looking back every year, films with staggering DVD sales share some common characteristics. For instance, without exception, those at the top of the sales charts are all blockbuster hits; an excellent box office performance is the decisive factor in whether a DVD will be successful.
Another point is that the DVD version needs to have more fresh content than the theatrical version.
In this regard, the scorpion king, which Matthew appeared in, is a typical example. The theatrical release was a standard PG-13, but the later-released DVD added a lot of large-scale content, such as the scenes between Matthew and Kelly Hu, which effectively attracted consumers to buy it.
Compared to the stricter MPAA theatrical ratings, the DVD market is more relaxed. The DVD version of mr. & mrs. smith would naturally have a larger scale as well.
The onlookers on set were quickly asked to leave the studio. Aside from the director and a few essential filming personnel, only Matthew and Charlize Theron remained in the area.
Neither of them was a rookie. Matthew had filmed this kind of scene several times, and Charlize Theron was even more experienced. Moreover, while this scene seemed intense, its scale actually couldn't compare to the one between her and Christina Ricci in monster.
After director Doug Roman shouted "Action," Matthew took the initiative to start. According to the script's setting, Charlize Theron also fought back with all her might. The two of them became entangled once again, just like their previous combat scene.
But the filming was quickly called to a halt.
Director Doug Roman felt that both of them were not excited enough.
"What you need is a crazy, reckless..." Director Doug Roman said loudly, "...to completely break the previous barrier and return to a state of being in love."
He looked at Matthew and Charlize Theron and said, "You're both too restrained! You lack that crazy drive that comes when a man and a woman feel the spark!"
Matthew exchanged a few words in a low voice with Charlize Theron. It wasn't easy to get excited immediately when filming this kind of scene; moreover, to avoid some embarrassment, Charlize Theron had placed a pillow between them during the shoot.
Before starting the shoot again, he went to the side and did a few push-ups to pump up his muscles and give the illusion of excitement on camera. Action scenes in this regard are often improvised; if over-rehearsed or over-thought, they can easily look like a clumsy softcore film from within the industry.
In this kind of scene, if both the man and the woman aren't excited, it won't be convincing, so both parties need to have a sense of excitement.
Charlize Theron wasn't idle either; she first drank a glass of Champagne, followed by a shot of Tequila, gradually working up her emotions.
The second take went very smoothly, and a long take of nearly two minutes was quickly declared a pass.
After the filming was finished, Matthew released Charlize Theron, whom he had been pressing firmly onto a table, and reached out to pull her up. Charlize Theron propped herself up and adjusted the strap that Matthew had pulled down to one side.
Both of their breaths were a bit heavy and rapid. Their eyes inadvertently met, and Charlize Theron immediately looked elsewhere, appearing a bit embarrassed.
Matthew, on the other hand, was quite composed and asked softly, "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
Charlize Theron pulled out the soft pillow hidden under her clothes, threw it aside, smiled, and said, "I'm fine."
Matthew wanted to speak again, but Charlize Theron cut him off, saying, "I'm going to remove my makeup."
Having said that, she walked straight out of the set without waiting for Matthew's response.
Leaving the set and arriving at the dressing room, she sent the makeup artist away and leaned against the dressing room door. Her breathing became rapid again, and she couldn't help but reach out and gently pat her chest.
Just two minutes later, Charlize Theron regained her cool demeanor. The sound of a dressing room door opening and closing came from next door; it was likely Matthew returning. She quickly finished removing her makeup, changed her clothes, and hurriedly left the Warner Bros. Studio.
Back then, she and Stuart Townsend fell in love while filming together... Sitting in the car provided by the Crew, Charlize Theron felt a headache at the thought of Stuart Townsend, followed by a sense of confusion, not knowing where the relationship between the two of them should go.
She knew that many things couldn't be compared, otherwise, it would create a huge psychological gap—for instance, between Stuart Townsend and Matthew Horner.
Matthew Horner was as bright as the morning star, while Stuart Townsend... Charlize Theron quickly shook her head; this kind of idea was too dangerous. Besides, Stuart Townsend's strengths were also obvious; although his temper had worsened in recent years, he was much more devoted compared to a playboy like Matthew Horner.
It was just Stuart Townsend's psychological state... Tolerance is indeed not the same as indulgence, but she could still endure it. When she had time after finishing this film, she could persuade Townsend to see a psychiatrist.
After Matthew finished removing his makeup and left the dressing room, before he could leave the studio, he encountered the producer Akiva Goldsman, who took the initiative to stop him.
"You are a very excellent actor." It didn't seem like Akiva Goldsman was speaking on a whim. "The filming of this movie has left a very deep impression on me. You are naturally suited to play this kind of independent and tough male character."
"You flatter me too much." Matthew was appropriately humble. "It's the character setting that is brilliant."
Akiva Goldsman waved his hand. "There's no need to be modest. Everyone on set can see that you are a good actor."
Matthew smiled and didn't respond.
Akiva Goldsman said directly, "Matthew, there are very few male actors as young as you who also have box office appeal." Moreover, he could see from the filming on set that Matthew wasn't the kind of actor who liked to cause trouble; he hadn't caused any problems for the Crew's shoot. So he added solemnly, "I very much look forward to working with you again."
Matthew didn't understand the meaning behind Akiva Goldsman's words, but he responded promptly, "Me too."
Akiva Goldsman then changed the subject and chatted about some matters regarding the filming of mr. & mrs. smith.
Compared to Doug Roman, who was fully immersed in his directing career, Akiva Goldsman, who held the dual roles of producer and screenwriter, could better see the value of a young actor like Matthew. He believed the likelihood of failure for mr. & mrs. smith was small, and after the film was released, Matthew's appeal would be even greater. Furthermore, Matthew had the sequels to the lower-risk pirates of the caribbean series... Without much analysis, he could see that Matthew was on the path to becoming a superstar.
The projects he was planning happened to need a superstar who could carry the box office alone and was suited for tough roles. However, he currently had to attend to the production of mr. & mrs. smith and write the adaptation of The Da Vinci Code. The next project would certainly be a few years away; by then, Matthew Horner would likely have reached the A-list, and getting him to accept an audition invitation would not be an easy task.
Actors need suitable projects, and producers and directors likewise need stars with massive appeal.
Akiva Goldsman was looking far ahead, already preparing for the next big project he had the intent to produce.
Matthew chatted with Akiva Goldsman for a while. Since he had an appointment in the evening, he took his leave and left the studio, walking to the entrance of the Warner Bros. Studio. He drove his BMW to a high-end Chinese restaurant in North Hollywood. Elena Boyar had made an appointment with him a few days ago to treat him to a big meal tonight.
"Finally, I don't have to eat complicated French food." Matthew casually ordered a few familiar Chinese dishes, handed the menu back to the waiter, and said to Elena Boyar, "Chinese food is still better."
Elena Boyar shook her head. "I don't see what's so good about it."
Matthew raised a finger and wagged it. "That's because there's something wrong with your taste buds. If you eat Chinese food for a week, you'll find other cuisines too ordinary."
Although it was modified, Westernized Chinese food, it still suited his taste better than French food.
"Eat it for a whole week straight?"
Everyone has their own tastes; what is a delicacy in one person's mouth might be poison to another. Elena Boyar said directly, "I don't want to go on a diet to lose weight yet."
Matthew glanced at her. "Hmm, you have no need to lose weight."
Elena Boyar then changed the subject and asked, "Any explosive news lately?"
"So that's why you're treating." Matthew pointed a finger at her. "Turns out you have an ulterior motive."
He shook his head and said, "No. I've been busy with the filming of mr. & mrs. smith lately; where would I have the time to care about other things?"
"You always disappoint." Elena Boyar picked up her water glass, took a sip, and suddenly asked, "What about you and Charlize Theron?"
"She and I are just ordinary friends," Matthew said indifferently. "Nothing more."
"Ordinary friends? You can fool others with that, but don't try to fool me!" Elena Boyar widened her eyes. "Don't I know you well enough?"
She snorted and added, "The paparazzi under me have captured photos of you two entering and leaving the Warner Bros. Studio together many times."